Practical travel information on Money and costs in Tirana

Money & costs

Money

Tirana has plenty of ATMs connected to international networks. The main chains are Tirana Bank, Pro Credit Bank, Raiffeisen Bank and American Bank of Albania. Independent moneychangers operate directly in front of the main post office and on Sheshi Skënderbej, offering the same rates as the banks. Changing money is not illegal or dangerous, but do count the money you receive before handing yours over. It’s nearly impossible to exchange travellers cheques outside Tirana, so if you’re relying on them (our advice is, don’t) try one of the following banks:

American Bank of Albania (276 000; Rr Ismail Qemali 27; 9.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri) A reliable, secure place to cash your travellers cheques (2% commission). Also an Amex representative.

National Savings Bank (235 035; Blvd Dëshmorët e Kombit; 10.30am-5pm Mon-Fri) Located in the Rogner Hotel Europapark Tirana, it offers MasterCard advances, cashes US dollar, euro and sterling travellers cheques for 1% commission and exchanges cash.